This is salt water! You can't drink it!"
The joy faded from their faces.
The beauty of the waterfall remained the same – untouched, perfect…
But once again, the island lied.
"No worries. At least we found a waterfall on the second day itself," Daniel said calmly, his voice steady. "It's only a matter of time before we find clean drinking water too."
"After all that running and effort, we deserve a quick dip," someone said.
Before Daniel could respond, a few of the group members had already jumped into the water. Their laughter echoed off the rocks. For a brief time, they let themselves forget where they were. The cold splash, the shared joy, and the rhythmic roar of the waterfall gave them a moment of peace.
By the time they finished, the sky had already begun to dim.
Daniel glanced upward. "We need to get back. Fast. We're still deep inside the forest. It'll turn dark soon, and getting lost now could be dangerous."
Everyone agreed without protest. Francis switched on his torch, leading the way. Even though it was only 5 PM, the dense forest made it feel like night had fallen early. There was an eerie hush in the air—one that made their footsteps feel too loud, too real.
No one spoke.
Their boots crunched softly on fallen leaves. Aside from that, the jungle was silent. Unnaturally so.
Suddenly, a distant howl shattered the silence.
Everyone stopped in their tracks.
"That was a dog… right?" Charlie asked, voice uneasy.
Francis glanced back. "Probably not. Could be anything, really."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a jungle, Charlie. There are animals here we've never seen. Just because it sounds like a dog doesn't mean it is one."
Francis kept walking. The others followed, trying not to look too shaken.
Eventually, the trees thinned, and the open stretch of the beach came into view. It was 6:30 PM. As soon as they were spotted, the people at the shore ran toward them.
Someone quickly explained everything that had happened during their absence.
After listening quietly, Daniel spoke with a reassuring tone.
"So we heard a rescue helicopter on day two. That's not a small thing. It means they're looking for us. They'll find us soon."
His words lifted the group's spirits a little. Faces that had been grim for hours now showed the slightest spark of hope.
Juliet pointed to the boar tied over Francis's shoulder.
"Is that our dinner tonight?" she asked.
Francis gave a small nod.
"A wild boar…" muttered Joseph, the businessman, with mild disgust.
"Yes, Mr. Joseph," Daniel said firmly. "We can't expect bread and butter out here. We still don't know where we are. We haven't even found drinkable water yet. So when we do get something like this, we should be thankful. We're here to survive together. Not complain about the menu."
Joseph didn't respond.
"Francis, hand me the boar," said Robert, stepping forward.
Francis passed it to him without hesitation.
"I'll take care of the cooking," Robert announced. "Meanwhile, you guys collect firewood and start the campfire. The temperature's already dropping. Tonight's going to be colder than usual."
Daniel walked over. "You don't have to do this alone. I'll help. Francis too."
"Fair enough," Robert said. "Then let the rest of them set up the fire."
While the three of them got to work preparing the meal, the others split up, gathering dry wood, arranging stones, and lighting up the fire that would warm their cold night.
---
8:45 PM
The boar was roasted, the fire crackling steadily. Everyone sat close, enjoying the warmth. Daniel and Francis distributed meat to each of them.
Hungry from the day's exhaustion, they ate in silence at first. But slowly, conversations sparked. Laughter returned.
After the meal, Daniel stood up and clapped his hands gently.
"Yesterday, we all introduced ourselves. Tonight, let's do something else. Just to relax, pass the time, and stay sane. No pressure. Just something to take our minds off things."
There was a murmur of agreement.
"Yeah, sure. We're in."
"But… what should we do?" someone asked.
For a few seconds, everyone fell silent again, as if waiting for someone to step up.
That's when Sarah, the elderly woman, slowly rose from her place and spoke in a soft, almost mysterious voice:
"If no one minds… I have a suggestion."
"Of course, ma'am," Francis replied. "You have every right to share. We're listening."
Sarah began, her voice like a whisper cutting through the night.
"What if… we share ghost stories?"
The firelight flickered.
"Fear is like the wind. You can't see it… but you feel its cold fingers wrap around your soul. Inside each of us is a door. Once it opens, it never fully closes. Some of you may have seen things you never spoke about… things that claw at your memory even today."
A chill passed through the group, and the night seemed to lean in closer.
"If anyone here has ever experienced something truly… unexplainable, maybe tonight's the night to speak of it. Sometimes, telling someone helps you breathe easier. So… who among you has ever encountered something paranormal?"
She paused, letting her words settle like mist on the group.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then, one hand rose.
Then another.
Four in total.
Barry. Max. Charlie. David.
The air grew heavier.
Daniel looked toward Barry, who slowly stood up.
The flames of the campfire flickered against his face.
Everyone's eyes were on him.
He took a breath.
"I… I'll go first."
To be continued...
Next chapter release date 27/6/25